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Oxfordshire: Serious Case Review Into Child Sexual Exploitation

Hundreds of children were at risk of sexual exploitation in Oxfordshire over 15 years, a report has revealed

A serious case review has found that 373 young people may have suffered grooming and abuse or were at risk of becoming victims between 1999 and 2014.

Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police are facing criticism in the report over a paedophile ring.

Seven members of the gang, five of whom were jailed for life, were convicted following a trial in 2013 of a catalogue of offences against vulnerable underage girls in Oxford including rape, trafficking and organising prostitution.

The shocking details of the trial prompted campaigners to call for answers over how the abuse went on for so long, despite some of the victims reporting their plight to police and social services.

And the judge in the case, Judge Peter Rook, said ``police and social services missed tell-tale signs'' about the abuse that was taking place.

In light of today's report, Lib Dem MEP for the South East Catherine Bearder has called for the leader of Oxfordshire County Council - Joanna simons - to resign.